hanapbu-haaaay!

What do you do when you have a difficult client who's OC in pointing out so-called areas of opportunities and who's timid in giving out pats on the back?

Shadow box.

Or how about something else like this...

Yesterday, right after my meeting with one of the large fastfood chains in the country (no, this isn't the client that's giving me a headache), instead of heading home, I went to the mall.

We shopped.

I pampered her and bought her stuff like blouse, a pair of pants, shoes, longganisa from cebu, etc.

I also asked her that we buy ubong for Yaya Rubie (a watch with a pink strap) whose birthday is coming up on August 1, Yaya Pauline, and for my parents (all something to wear).

And what did I get for myself?

A trash can with a step-on lid that was on sale at only P125, several movie titles, and a mini bendable light from the P88 Store.

At the end of the spree, on our way to the car, she said that I was sweet.

Ahm...yea... sweet distraction.

Speaking of distraction, I might be moving offices again. This time, it's going to be in Makati. At the Ayala Avenue-Dela Costa area. The building with 30+ floors.

This is going to be one of the wisest decisions. With fuel prices jacking up to over sixty, Makati is practical.

So from Alabang to Cubao and maybe... just maybe... Makati very soon.

Don't get me wrong. I love my current office in Cubao. Pero kelangan lang talaga. Kaya even if I hate Makati, gugustuhin na lang para makatipid.

frank

What happens when you have a less energetic weatherman in the middle of a typhoon?

Doing an Ocean

Isang munting harana...

My first act of vandalism in UP was a line from an Ocean song. I etched it on a desk in the Main Lib.

I'm planning to do a Banderas soon.

No, I won't be singing like that epee-wielding pussy cat (Antonio Banderas' voice) in Shrek.

I'm thinking of finishing the Spanish courses I started in UP way, way back.

Speaking of UP... happy grand alumni homecoming!

Green, white and red - and it's not Irish

Today's entry is a lil something about Italy. But it's not about Maserati, Armani, pasta or soccer.

You're probably too young to recognize the clip below. It's a trailer of an old film. Even I was too young to watch it in a theatre.

Before there was Antonio Banderas' Desperado, the western spaghetti I grew up with were those movies starred in by Terence Hill and Bud Spencer as a tandem. Their comedy was like Gibson and Glover in Lethal Weapon.

Terence and Bud spoke Italian because they are. But the movies shown in Manila were already dubbed so that fuorilegge means bandit or that imbroglione means cheater.

Germany loved the Hill-Spencer tandem as well. Their viewers had their own dub. The clip below will be heard in Deutsch.

There are things in their movies that need no translation. Whisky will always be whisky, as it is with poker, pistol and the saloon mama dressed in moulin rouge outfit who'd soon be seen as a paid backscrubber of a sweaty and grimey cowboy who's rode off to the sunset so many times that he needed to get his hardened ass off the saddle and into a hot tub.

Terence Hill's face will remind you of Robert Conrad, the original actor who played Jim in Wild Wild West. By then, I was young enough to be allowed to watch it on TV per Sunday afternoon before mom and dad would take us all to Church.

They made other movies that didn't require them to wear cowboy suits. Of the 18 films they did together, there must have been about 3 classic spag.

Had I actually been to a cinema to watch them? The answer is no. I was not riped enough to tag along with my brothers. But I was lucky to catch a few films shown on TV.

I remember their names on movie billboards in EDSA. Their movie posters were also on the movie page of the Bulletin Today (renamed Manila Bulletin). I knew this because the movies were on the same section as the fun page.

The clip below is in its original format so much so that when Bud Spencer orders, "Take off your belts," you'd hear it as,"Tolga le vostre cinghie" .

In cowboy films, Terence is known for his slap-you-before-I-draw. It's literally pulling up a fast one on an enemy, an act that Jun Aristorenas and FPJ adopted in their own spag films.

Terence slaps. Bud pounds. Nothing much to their acting, really. And there is indeed more to Italian films than this old pair like Ennio Moricone, Monica Belluci and Anna Falchi.

They're classic italian brutes, a perfect shadow of the Roman ruins circa 70s.

***

kids should know that...

Italy is a destination for immigrants from all over the world. At the end of 2006, foreigners comprised 5% of the population or 2,938,922 persons. The most recent wave of migration has been from surrounding European nations, particularly Eastern Europe, replacing North Africans as a major source of migrants. Around 500,000 Romanians are officially registered as living in Italy, but unofficial estimates put the actual number at double that figure or perhaps even more. (wikipedia)

half-half

I'm going to show a short video of my mag-ina.



Summit is growing up fast - he's getting longer and heavier and socializes more. But regardless of these developments, this lil man, who kicks when he's all excited, still manages to soil my clothing with uncontrollable outbursts of pee or milk vomit.

His mom says that he has the cleft. I couldn't see it not until this morning. But it's not prominent. Just enough, I guess, to charm lil gurls.

And then his doctor says that he has a dimple. Parang isa lang ata. Until now, I haven't seen it. The dimple is somewhere buried in his baby fat cheeks. I don't even know which side of his face.

The mom has the dimple. I have the cleft.

Hati para fair. Galing ni God, ah.

hungry mind

Wake up mornings with me and one day you'll notice that I've slipped out of bed to whoop up a surprise.

Stay more than one sunrise and you'll find out that I'm pretty much a mushroom guy.

When I'm in a good mood, I can start chopping ingredients in the kitchen and cook away. I do it without the aid of any opened cookbook. It starts with what interests my appetite. And then I try to picture the dish in my head including its taste once I put it in my mouth.

The imagination continues thru the slicing, tossing and frying. Floor walks opening the doors of the fridge and the cupboard, searching what could fit in the concoction. Yea, it can make me restless but it's therapy as well.

Everything's spontaneous. There's really no preselected ingredient. Whatever is here, if its interesting to experiment with, it goes into the pan.

The kitchen is my lab.

In my past post, I wrote about yogi eggs - creamy omelette cooked with strawberry yogurt.

Now meet my mushroom rice. This dish reuses left over rice for a breakfast treat. The ingredients are:

1. leftover rice
2. sauteed garlic, onion and tomato
3. chopped button mushrooms (lots)
4. chopped green pepper
5. sliced bacon strips (not preseasoned)
6. one egg (beaten in the wok on top of the rice)

The following seasonings:

1. vinegar (2 bottle caps-ful)
2. knorr seasoning
3. minced garlic and basil
4. kinchay

Alternative for bacon strips is chicken meat or tinapa (which I'd love to use next time).

J loves the mushroom rice. It goes well with fried sweet squid or fish.

Sometimes though I go continental.

Wheat bread with light butter, hotdog or country sausage (whichever is available), egg & mushroom omelette topped with grated cheese, and baby potatoes in sour cream. There's either a small portion of pomelo or sunkist orange on the side.

Green tea is my preferred cup while J would go for a cold glass of chocomilk.

And of course, after taking all the heat from the stove, the morning paper to make a perfect closing.

Let me show you other stuff from my kitchen.

• chef wacky salad (lettuce, chicken meat, tomato, cucumber, ripe mango, sliced boiled egg, red bell pepper, croutons, chopped olives and honey mustard dressing)
• rice-o-lution (tocino bbq and hawaiian sayote)

The tocino bbq is a borrowed concept from Dumaguete's Tocino Country. (If you've been there and you missed this adventure, balikan nyo. Promise.)

Meanwhile, the hawaiian sayote is again something I invented. It's sauteed sayote in creamy sauce (similar to chopsuey) with pineapple tidbits. The one that I cooked is the spicy version because I put in chopped pepper (siling pari).

Hmm...who knows. Maybe I'll open my own food house later and let the Gourmet Chick manage it.

* * *
Who came to dinner?

shoot and upload

One of the greatest inventions of Thomas Edison is Robin Williams.

He is speed neuron.

He's like French wine that becomes better as he ages.

And what's totally awesome about him is that he's simply nuts.

If you're one of those viewers who like James Lipton's Inside The Actor's Studio, someone uploaded Robin Williams' guesting. It is divided into 6 hilarious parts. I recommend it.

I watch YouTube now more than any show on cable. It's becoming a habit. I get to watch shows that either I missed or weren't aired here at all. And no ads to endure.

There are also interesting vlogs like Patrick Dempsey on the Writers Guild Strike and the fun to watch Jessica Alba's stare.

Of course, there's the trash and not-so trashy material online. What can you do? It's free. But there are videos worth watching even if they're shot for less than a minute. Take for instance this material from Greenpeace...



J is catching up with this habit. She's into watching videos of babies laughing like the quadruplets (omg! this is contagious) and Charlie, the finger biter.

stalked in the aisle

One evening I ran out of milk and tissue...

baby on board

When my friends learned the news of Summit's arrival, the moms immediately suggested that I put a sign on the car that reads: baby on board.

I said no thrice.

Gwapo on board di ko nga nilalagyan, yun pa.

Okay, kapit. Hawak lang sa estribo. Ü

Barf bag? Tadyak, you like?

And besides, I limit the number of stickers on it. I want to maintain my windshields dark and "quiet."

* * *

Now I know that loving moms are from heaven. I think they're there when God and His angels have to take a beer break.

My own mom helps out rear Summit. My nannies went on a bakasyon leave last month and will be back on the 25th.

yaya, are we there yet?

I found additional good help from a neighbor who comes at night to take care of Summit. This is on a temp basis. Her name is Sinta. She is actually one of the caretakers of a lot of a homeowner.

Speaking of neighbors, I've added another pedia for Summit. One is Dr A, a neighbor who hails from Cebu and practices at LP Doctors. The other is Dr Z, our pedia based at the Asian Hospital.

I let Dr A take care of his vaccinations because his rates are lower than Dr Z. I'm keeping both doctors handy so that we can go to either Asian or LP Doctors, whichever is more necessary.

* * *

Facts for the curious:

1. His favorite songs are Elmo's Song and the Muffin Man.
2. He will say mommy or daddy when he's really upset and wants attention from either.
3. He prefers S-26 to Nan.
4. He loves Bogart & fears Rufus.
5. He recently discovered the art of thumbsucking.
6. His assets are his nose and eyes (long & straight eyelashes like mine).
7. Malaki ang kamao...at pati na rin yun Ü
8. He's dark like his ninong Hoot. (Sayang di nagmana sa mom nya pero buti na lang boy sya kaya okay lang.)
9. He doesn't mind watching Sunday boxing on TV on my lap.
10. He loves people talking to him.

love and promises

It's not the song that Wet Wet Wet bit me with.

The song has a history shared with Ella, the ex mistaken by everyone in the family to be the One. When we finally separated amicably, I learned that three cousins didn't favor her for one or more reason. But because they love me, they chose not to be vocal about their feelings. I'd remember Cagayan De Oro whenever I hear this and the time we were there for leisure. I purchased my first Wet album that included this song at Limketkai.

It's not only CDO but also the bus trip to the pineapple plantation in Butuan. Memories that hit you with the question, "So what went wrong?" That possibility didn't exist during the airplay of Goodnight Girl.

Late last April one of my cousins who works in the same corporate as Ella asked me if I knew any updates. I said no and then I kept quiet. I gave the impression that I wanted to be spared. It didn't work.

She went on to tell me stuff like Ella was in the hot seat because she was caught cheating with the business partner of her fiance. And that she's currently hooking up with a "childhood" flame.

I shook my head.

I hope my cousin will not be crazy enough to volunteer to my ex about me having a son with J when they bump into each other at work.

Now I'm thinking why I shook my head then. I realized that before we split up, she was so furious that she promised she'll make it to the top while I'll be looking up at her from hell down under.

Hell didn't find me. Or maybe didn't want me at all.

I shook my head because deep inside I was concerned. Pala. I want her to be finally happy.

Can't undo certain major parts.

4 years is a long story to make.

And one good one was captured in 4:10 minutes by Wet.

* * *

kids should know that...

Marti Pellow enjoyed success with Wet Wet Wet throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. However, in 1997 drummer Tommy Cunningham left the band and its success waned immediately. Pellow was by this time suffering from an addiction to heroin. On finally beating the drug, he stated: "It was textbook. I couldn't function without it. But there's no romantic side to heroin – it's no good." Pellow left Wet Wet Wet in May 1999, effectively disbanding the group. They reformed, however, in March 2004. (wikipedia)

class in session

anak ng...

My mom said that because none of her children look like her, we inherited our brains from her.

If that's true, then it's happening one more time in my family.

Summit looks like me, according to them (too many to mention) including his mom. With a face like his, sinong aangal? I wouldn't mind that she gives the intelligence side. I admit she's brighter than me (kaya nga madalas mahuli eh hehehe). Basta gwapo, carinyoso at mabango - we'll make it anywhere... new york, new york... Ü

He's really beautiful that, according to my friends, this early, he's already working it with the ladies.

Yep, all he has to do is cry. And some lady will surely pick him up.

That's my boy!

clips

Wag Kang Kukurap.

(Warning: Remember the exorcist? Don't!)

* * *

Now for the main feature...

The Rock featuring Ahmad Dhani in Aku Cinta Kau Dan Dia

I discovered this on RCPT. It's really good music. Manila Rock Radio, spare airplay for these artists, will you? Ang cool pa ng video.

The lead vocals is Ahmad Dhani, keyboardist of Dewa 19, an Indonesian rock band first formed in 1986. Dewa means god or deity. In the video, Dhani sings with an Aussie band, The Rock.

* * *

kids should know that...

Ahmad Dhani is an Indonesian rock musician, who has been described as a "rock star". His album Warriors of Love reportedly "challenged militant ideology" and was "massively popular" in Indonesia. (wikipedia)

wishes

samuel timothy, you give my heart a source of inspiration.

may your voice be better than mine or your uncle's.

now if i wish you to have more women than, ahm, whoever, your mother will not like that, as she vowed that she'll be the only lady in your life for a long long time.

so i'll kiss you with this wishes.

may you be a better adonis than all those who tried, including your daddy.

may you be quick to pick up an umbrella and then hold it up for as long as it is needed by your mommy.

may you remember to comb your hair after rising up from a fall.

may you learn to walk briskly or slowly to catch up with the one who makes your heart laugh, your mind spin in awe and your spirit humble - all qualities rolled into one.

so, as they grunt in football, "hurrah!"

* * *

kids should know that...

The Vienna Boys' Choir was, for practical purposes, established by a letter written by Maximilian I of Habsburg on 7 July 1498. In the letter the Emperor instructed court officials to employ a singing master, two basses and six boys. The role of the choir (numbering between fourteen and twenty) was to provide musical accompaniment to the church mass. The boys received a solid musical education, which in most cases had a significant impact on the rest of their lives, as many went on to become professional musicians. (wikipedia)

boy oh boy!

I can't wait for baby Summit to grow up.

We're going to watch sword fights together, like so...

Summit is going to have 5 pairs of godparents. Choosing wasn't easy. It was a tough decision to make. As much as we would like to make everyone his ninong or ninang, the real most important part is that each of them will be a part of his life, regardless of title.

Let me tell you something else.

Visiting the store's infant section now has meaning. Ü

* * *

kids should know that...

Spartan citizen boys left home for military boarding school at the age of seven and were required to serve in the army until age of thirty. Then they passed into the active reserve, where they remained until the age of sixty. (wikipedia)

Bite, bit, bitten

BITE. The fish were biting last Sunday at the Marina of Puerto Azul. I was able to catch a lot for cat Angel. These were small Black Wrash and larangay fish.

The bait is fresh live shrimp we bought at the wet market of Cartimar early in the morning - a long detour before going to Cavite.

We had superb quality time in Puerto Azul.

While on a rock, my line cast, SM would dip her legs on the water. She asked me once if I planned to hook bigger fish. I said yes but not on the Marina because of the rocks. Aiming for much bigger fish, though, means a trip on a motor banca in the middle of the sea. It's called trolling.

My early fishing trips were at the Manila Bay Breakwater. I tagged along with my dad. For a fee, we made it across the bay and on to the Breakwater on a lantsa, a big motorized banca, owned by its captain the regular anglers named Kalabaw.

Fishing supplies were available at Sta. Cruz, Binondo. My father has befriended a lot of the Chinoys in the area because of this hobby. Sometimes he'd be invited to out of town fishing with these guys.

Dad's got a showcase of awards for engaging in competitive tackling. He's a member of sport fishing groups. He used to have a pass card exclusive to PAL flyers who travel and fish in far away places like Palawan. Cardholders get special privileges or asistance when flying their equipment and/or catch of the day. And this catch can expectedly be as long as a barracuda.

Yes, I'd like to travel and fish in places like Bolinao, Subic, Cagayan, Sorsogon and Palawan. I also like to rent my own lantsa and fish in the laot. That would really be somethng nice to plan on.

When it was time top eat lunch, SM unpacked the espesyal at masarap baon she prepared - fried tilapia with fresh mangoes and sliced tomatoes as side dish. She also wrapped Two-Cheese Chicken on Rye.

Before reaching Puerto Azul, we stopped at a neat looking grocery called Sandy's. We just wanted to buy a couple of soda and a pack of Eggnog biscuits. The store sold Selecta ice drops so SM bought choco peanut and rocky road, two variants that she ate as soon as we were back on the highway.

Entering Puerto Azul premises has never been a hustle to us ever since my dad bought a car pass. Buti na lang. Otherwise, the guards will confiscate our baon.

On the way home, we stopped by the Jollibee located near a junction. For the first time I ordered the hot and crispy chicken. Masarap pala yung manok nila. SM ordered the same thing, except that it wasn't spicy like mine. She also ordered out a sweet dessert that I think is called pandan jelly.

* * *

BIT. Last evening of March 29, Bogart accidentally bit the hand of SM. Bogart was due to have his anti-rabies vaccine when the incident occured.

The next day we headed to the PGH to get her first anti-rabies vaccine. Although we maintain the health of our pets,it's still best to walkon the safe side.

There are three hospitals in Metro Manila that give anti-rabies vaccines: San Lazaro in Manila, RITM in Muntinlupa and the PGH.

After the shot, I drove to Wendy's in Taft-Buendia so I could buy her pasyon bunwich. Well, that's what I call it. But it's introduced as the shrimp sandwich. She's been wanting to get one since seeing it on TV and hearing it over the radio. Masarap daw talaga. And then I drove to the Blue Wave in Macapagal Avenue to buy her a cup of strawberry frappe. Meanwhile, I settled for Chowking's Chicharap.

***

Bitten. I don't like the TVC Pansit Ulam. The food is full of carbo and I don't think we should recommend it to kids. Pansit na ulam pa. Right.

Speaking of food not to be recommended for kids, here's another one. There's a street food called litid that SM introduced me to. Mang Leo calls it baga. It's something skewered. It actually tastes good. But I wouldn't knock myself off it.

***

kids should know that...

Many pet owners feed cats homemade diets. These diets generally consist of some form of cooked meat or raw meat, ground bone, pureed vegetables, taurine supplements, and other multivitamin supplements. Although cats are naturally resistant to many of the bacteria that raw meats contain, meat can sometimes also contain parasites and other harmful organisms and for this reason raw meat is sometimes frozen for periods of time before being used. (wikipedia)

and then we are three...

You can say it in so many words, in different languages.

Starting today, I'm going to wear a differrent cap. And I'm going to wear it proudly.

It's the cap that says, "Who's Your Daaaddy."

* * *

It's a boy!

* * *

kids should know that...

The father of a child can develop the bond during the pregnancy of his partner, feeling attachment to the developing child. Research indicates that this may have some biological basis. Statistics show that fathers' levels of testosterone tend to decline several months before the birth of the child (due, perhaps, to an inverse pheromonal chemical produced by the mother during pregnancy). Since high testosterone levels seem to encourage more aggressive behaviour, low levels may enhance the ability to develop a new relationship bond (for example, with the child). (wikipedia)

Early Signs

Rising before the sun does...

SHE: Good morning! Have to go to the office early today. I'll talk to you later.

But he's been awake an hour earlier.

SHE: It's way too cold at this time of the day. Cold should be spent in bed dreaming or doing something...but not in a trike which somehow approximates the windchill factor that we only hear about on the Today Show.

Yea, she can be a talker this early.

SHE: Stop working muna.

She says this when she catches him in the middle of something called work.

SHE: By the way, did you ever get around to wearing underpants before you slept?

To be embarassed this early is actually not, only if the question comes from her. He replied, "Nope."

SHE: I am way too early. Or late. I don't know which. The person who waits in the same corner isn't here yet.

But he knows that she's not late. He knows that this early, she can be a worrier. But yes, she's late in a different way. She comes in too late in his life. But he doesn't want to spoil the morning with that quip.

SHE: Bus here. What do you mean I'm late with you. If I'm late, does that mean we've successfully made a baby?

He almost chokes on his own. So he asks what the bus looks like.

SHE: Like a tas trans bus. On the left side - that's where I sit - there's a space for 3 and on the right there's a space for 2. The door's in the middle part though. The bus coordinator is a lesbian but super nice and looks like a real boy. The driver is Mang Jo. We need to buy shuttle tickets from the office. Otherwise the other bus coordinator - a real gurl - gets mad. Hey! Aren't you proud? I'm able to make kwento without brushing you off!

She has a point.

HE: Bus coordinator. Now that's a new job I'm not familiar with.

SHE: Oh they're like konduktor? They make peoplesign the logbook and collect the tickets. Everytime I ride the bus I save at least 10 bucks and I also don't have to walk anymore since it parks infront of the office. Uhm babe? May I kiss your chin and rub my cheek against the stubble? Mmmm...

HE: In the bus?

SHE: Oh no. In the back seat of your car. Or front seat. I want you to...

HE: I should shave pero tinatamad pa ko.

SHE: I like the stubble. Gives it texture. And there's beard burn after kissing hard. It's like you know that something has happened. Don't you agree?

HE: Kiss me more then.

SHE: Oh you bet I will. Every inch of your face. Jaw line. I like kissing that. And your chin. I'll let you kiss me too. I can't think of what I'd want you to do! I just want you all over me. I don't care what you're touching or kissing or whatever. I just want some part of you touching some part of me every second.

Damn.

HE: You're gonna start something when you talk like that.

SHE: You find something wrong with that?

HE: It's absolutely naughty.

SHE: You know I could be just that. Naughty.

For the second time he chokes. It's major coronary if she says more to make him remember good stuff.

Too early to turn red. Or code blue.

Too early to grab some afternoon delight... Newton didn't say catching an apple could be this pleasing.

* * *

kids should know that...

Plato can be said to have believed that humans learn entirely through recollection. He thought that humans already possessed knowledge, and that they only had to be led to discover what they already knew. In the Meno, Plato used the character of Socrates to ask a slave boy questions in an excellent demonstration of the Socratic method until the slave boy came to understand a square root without Socrates providing him with any information. (wikipedia)

Sick and at home for 3 days

Yes I'm sick. So I'm going to have a lil fun because I'll be out of the office for 3 days. In short, I'll let my subs panic party for a while.

Meanwhile my mom insists that I go to Asian Hospital for my annual check-up.

Neneng, yung jammies ko pls. Di ako papasok.

Below's a tag. I'll let J answer for me. That's how ill I am. Let's see how much she knows me by now.

1. You can speak Filipino. yes but not really well
2. Whenever necessary, you take the hand of an elder relative and pat the back of the palm of that hand to your forehead and say “mano po”. (W: That's the movie.) no
3. You know “bayanihan” and had witnessed it personally at least once. (J: I think I did. How 'bout you? Did you see that in Nayong Filipino?) no
4. You’ve seen a bahay kubo at least once. yes
5. You’ve ridden on a jeepney at least five times. uh-huh, I make you ride the jeep.
6. You have separate clothes for in-house and outside use. *nods head*
7. You’ve eaten adobo, dinuguan, kakanin, tuyo, dilis. yes
8. Your meal is incomplete if without rice. nah. not really.
9. You hear Sunday masses and attend Misa de Gallo with your family. no
10. You can sing “Lupang Hinirang” very well, with no lines missed. no (J laughs)
11. You don’t care donning ragged and torn clothes exclusively for use inside home. (J: You don't wear ragged clothes.) no
12. You have bought items in a “sari-sari store” at least ten times. yes, of course.
13. You have played patintero, tumbang preso and piko during your childhood. yes
14. You can sing at least five OPM songs, and know what OPM means. of course
15. You know the Philippine presidents from the year of your birth onwards. ahh...di yata
16. You have witnessed “balagtasan” at least thrice. (W: That's poetry in tagalog, right?) i'm not sure
17. You’ve been recounted with stories involving aswang, tikbalang, manananggal, nuno sa punso. yes, ikaw pa ang pasimuno (J giggles)
18. You’ve been read, have read or have heard Filipino legends (Ang Alamat ng…). yes
19. You’ve lived, stayed or visited Philippine places other than your city or town at least seven times. uh-huh
20. You’ve visited local (or public) wet market at least five times. yes...with me!
21. You have heard guys trying to sing Englebert Humperdink songs on a karaoke machine. ano?
22. Your main means of expressing anger is tampo. no, you're too american for that! (W: Oh. So what do I do?)
23. You eat with your hands or use your fork and spoon together. yes
24. You visit home, taking with you a few balikbayan boxes. yes

There's supposed to be a gauge of the scores to know if I made it as a Filipino. I may not be as Filipino as Pacman but I am.

Lupang Hinirang... I start to sing it slowly to her and then realize that I completely missed out the first stanza.

Bayanihan... I've only seen that in illustrations. But isn't pushing a stalled car also bayanihan?

Dilis... I don't eat that. I like dried squid, though, and tinapang galunggong. I think I'm allergic to the tinapa now.

Moomoo stories? Let me tell you something classic told to me by my granny. She went to a party in Lingayen and on her way home, she rode a horse-driven carriage that had to pass over a bridge. It was late at night and the street was illuminated by a single oil lamp from the carriage. When they were on the bridge, she saw a lil gurl running beside the carriage. She told the driver to slow down so they could let the gurl ride with her. But the driver didn't heed. Instead, he whipped the horse to run faster. My startled granny was about to caution the driver when she noticed that the gurl sped up her pace too. And, guess what? The child's feet didn't touch the ground.

(J: I hate that story! Still gets me everytime.)

She gets an X though because I know all the presidents.

W: Aguinaldo, Quezon, Laurel, Roxas, Osmena, Roxas... Wait a minute. I just said Roxas twice. Anyway, we had...ahm...hmm... Quirino, Magsaysay... who's that guy from Cebu? Oh. Osmena pala. Tapos na yun. Ahm... Macapagal, Marcos, Cory, Ramos, Erap & GMA. See! Somewhere there is my lolo. You know who?

J: *beep-beep* So how did we do? Are you fili-fino?

W: Opo. I'll practice my mano on you.

J: No!

* * *

kids should know that...

In the fourth season, Robert Downey Jr. joined the regular cast as Ally's boyfriend Larry Paul, temporarily resurrecting the ratings of a show that had lost its novelty appeal and thus much of its audience. However, when Downey got into legal troubles over his real-life drug addiction, he was forced to leave the show. Shortly thereafter other central cast members also left, and various characters disappeared from the show without an explanation (such as Renee, Mark, Jackson and Jane Wilco), which caused the ratings to sink again. Guest appearances from Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Ricci, Matthew Perry, Heather Locklear, and Dame Edna Everage in season five were not enough to save the show. (wikipedia)

one day, isang araw

One of the people who works for me is LG, an Aussie with Pinoy parents. She is currently taking a course in a private school in Katipunan.

Filipino communications is one of her subjects. And of all the folks that she can ask help from with that subject would be me.

Hala!

LG: Boss, ano ang tagalog ng mood?

W: Give me a second.

I think it out hard but come up with nothing. So I dial-a-friend... I ask the nearest person and discreetly disturb her. But she doesn't come up with an answer either.

Howabout mood as mud spelled bastardly? Nah.

There's an English-Tagalog dictionary somewhere here, I tell myself.

A light bulb switches on.

Then I go and get back without telling her that I cheated.

W: Panagano or lagay ng kalooban.

LG: Hahaha! Hanep ka talaga pinuno! Hahaha... Ano ulam mo ngayon?

She's really working it. And I play along.

W: Pochero.

LG: Naka naman! Palit tayo. Ayoko ng ulam ko. Nilasing na hipon.

W: Pa-LBC ko isang...ahm...bowl.

Oops. I couldn't complete the sentence without mentioning an English word.

LG: Hahaha! Sige. Inaasahan ko ang pagdating ng ulam. O sya. Later, boss. Kain ka ng madame. Thanks ulit.

She speaks it without her Aussie accent, while for me it's a test of endurance sometimes.

Travelling makes a tongue perfect, I guess. I should get out there often.

* * *

I stumbled upon a German site that promoted downloading of games online. The site's target market were Pinoy gamers. Thus the name Ph.Brothersoft.Com.

Sabi: malaki database ng mula sa puno 100 palayain kumislap laro

I had a hard time figuring out the description not until I realized that the last 4 words, 100 palayain kumislap laro, actually meant 100 free flash games.

And how did I figure that out?

Syempre. Pinuno eh. Ako pa.

Insert nodding of head while saying, Aaaah.

* * *

kids should know that...

A famous mistranslation of the Bible is the rendering of the Hebrew word "keren," which has several meanings, as "horn" in a context where it actually means "beam of light." As a result, artists have for centuries depicted Moses the Lawgiver with horns growing out of his forehead. An example is Michelangelo's famous sculpture. Christian anti-Semites used such depictions to spread hatred of the Jews, claiming that they were devils with horns. (wikipedia)

between meals

Browsing online at the sample menu of Spring Moon restaurant...

W: Squid with bagoong? Chinese dish ba yan?
J: Siguro. Ano ba yan? Eggplant with minced pork, P280. Torta lang yan a.
W: Steamed snapper...baby pigeon...
J: Pigeon? Bad sila!
W: Oo. Magagalit si Bert. Baby pa lang, pinatay na nila.
J: Oo.
W: (Looks at her with bewilderment)Kilala mo ba si Bert?
J: Oo. Boyfriend ni Ernie.
W: That's not true!
J: Oo! Inamin na nila.
W: Hindi! Walang umaamin kasi walang aaminin. Si Elmo, boyfriend nya si Cookie Monster.

(FYI. J loves Elmo.)

J: Hindi a!
W: Oo. Kasi pedophile si Cookie Monster. O ano? Anong feeling mo?
J: Hindi ako naniniwala!
W: Ano? Masakit, no? Now you know the feeling.

(J keeps quiet, wonders about her feeling.)

W: Siguro taga-Electric Company ka, no?
J: Hahaha!

Just because one is yellow, lives with a guy and laughs like a goat, doesn't make one a puppet gay. Have you ever watched Friends?

* * *

Over the weekend, with the help of my subordinates, I finally "invaded" the local joint frequented by almost everyone in the office. There were only 8 of us but the waiters thought it best that we occupy the "penthouse", which we had all for ourselves.

Crispy pata, calamares and tapsilog (they ran out of sisig) accompanied our alco bev.

Truthfully, it's the kind of joint that I would've frequented back in college. The place is a hole-in-the-wall, altho not totally because it has a "penthouse." It's located along a busy one-way avenue between P. Tuazon and Santolan. Not far from it is a small market.

In other words, it is so different from the invites of Alfred (one of our company directors) to chill out at Brazil Brazil in ATC (I didn't realize they already opened a branch there).

Ang tagal din namin dun a. Inabutan na kami ng sikat ng araw.

If that joint was in ATC, siguro alas-dos sarado na sila. Nakakabitin.

But I don't think I'll go back. Once is enough.

It's not the place. It's the menu that needs a lot of improvement. At some point after work, a tired boss deserves a better tasting tapa... yung di matigas na parang tsinelas. Pagod ka na nga, pakakainin ka pa ng Spartan.

* * *
kids should know that...

The Electric Company was an educational American children's television series produced by the Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) for PBS in the United States. PBS broadcast 780 episodes over the course of six seasons, from 1971 to 1977. The Electric Company employed sketch comedy and other devices to provide an entertaining program to help children of elementary-school age develop their reading skills. It was intended for children who had graduated from CTW's flagship program, Sesame Street. Appropriately enough, the humor was also that much more mature than what was seen there. (Wikipedia)

whats your sushi story

They say there's a story behind every dish. And with a trayful of it, we get a variety of stories.

We've eaten most of the food until I thought oftaking a picture of it.

I had a couple of beers with Matt and Ryan, his closest bud in the office yesterday.

*Insert eavesdropping here*

Matt is a single father while Ryan is thinking to be one just because it might be the right answer. He wants his girlfriend to stay here instead of working abroad. (complicated like sushi rolled inside out, ura saki).

A hardcore gurl is one who drinks with you and when the rest of the gang leaves, she'd make her move then say, "Pa-kiss nga." Then after saying no, she'd scoot over, gives you a hardcore kiss. You somehow reciprocate and then blame the alcohol in the aftermath of the realization that hardcore gurl is someone you work with. (dare to try the octopus or tako)

I agreed not to extend the contracts of two women. Decision was sad but, while management gave them chances to prove themselves worthy of regularization, they weren't able to pull it off because of habitual absenteesim. (this one needs an oshibori, the wet towel for wiping one's hands before meal)

Some dude pigged out on crack at work and then failed to hide the high when he OD'ed on the floor. He survived the rush, alright. It was that rush to the ER. (try the scattered sushi, Chirashi-zushi)

*Stop eavesdropping here*

So what's with the afterwork socials on a weekday?

It's one way of keeping yourself current. And then leaving whatever stories on the table together with the tip.

* * *

kids should know that...

Sushi can be eaten either by hands or by chopsticks, although traditionally nigiri is eaten with the fingers because the rice is meant to be packed so loosely that it falls apart in ones mouth (and would disintegrate on chopsticks). Traditionally, one should start with white-fleshed or milder-tasting items and proceed into darker, stronger-flavored varieties later. For example, putting condiments such as the famous wasabi or soy sauce onto a piece of sushi would make it taste better. Like fish (not the rice), they should be dipped into soy sauce to extract the raw taste, so this should be used sparingly. In top-end sushi restaurants, it is considered a bad form to request or add extra wasabi when the chef has (or should have) already placed a suitable amount in each morsel. Likewise, one connoisseur counsels "adding wasabi to soy sauce is a disaster. It reduces the spiciness dramatically and masks the taste of the fish." Also contrary to popular belief in the west, sake is not considered a natural pairing of sushi, since the flavor is too similar to rice to enrich the meal. (wikipedia)

giants on top

ny giants jst stopd new england patriots frm making history. ny giants beat d pats 17-14. d 1972 miami dolphins stays as the only unbeaten teamn d nfl.

That was Matt's sms at 11:14 yesterday.

He's my best right hand in the office because he's not only brilliant (a double-degree major) but he's also wacky like me.

Matt was born in Hawaii so, yep, he's a certified dude surfer who once in his life lived it out for a month just riding the waters of Siargao. He didn't stay long in the Pacific. His family migrated to the mainland and resided in Cali where he hanged out occasionally with chicanos.

Among the other things that the dude and I share in common is our love for the NFL. We cheer for the same team, the Green Bay Packers. He also asked me if Hoot can bring home a cheesehead hat for him.

For the last 4 years that I've been watching the super bowl live on TV, it's always been the Patriots of New England that takes home the beautiful Lombardi trophy. All other teams were rejected.

Well, not until this 42nd super bowl happened. Or not until the NY Giants improved their defense that they were able to dramatically defeat the Pack before facing the Pats.

MVP of the season, QB Eli Manning, wears the no. 10 jersey. One of the best key plays was his pass to Plaxico Burress (#17) who didn't practice all week because of injuries, with only about 35 secs left in the game. That shattered the Pats chance to break the Dolphins' 1972 record.

The Giants coach got the gatorade bath during the time out at only 1 sec left in the game. It was right before his counterpart crossed the field to concede and shake his hand.

Great defense by the Giants in the first half - that's how I think they won it. QB Tom Brady had a difficult time finding his receivers in the field. He was sacked 5 times in this game alone. Unbelievable considering he averages about 21 of that per month!

Matt texted again: super bowl celebration at the national sporst bar. see ya!

Baby don't wait up?

During my conference call with Rob, one of our US managers in WI and a co-Pack fan, he just had to shoot:

Hey, did you guys watch the super bowl over there? We threw a super bowl party over here.

Nang-inggit pa.

* * *

Speaking of conference calls with people based in the US, sometimes I'd discreetly IM my home colleagues and discuss serious stuff like Jollibee take-outs, Monster pizza deliveries and beerfests versus ice cream while my ears will pretend to listen to be preoccupied with cheesy stats as to how good business is rolling.

Multi-tasking ako e.

* * *

kids should know that...

Despite the Packers having by far the smallest local TV market, the Packers have developed one of the largest fan bases in the NFL. Each year they consistently rank as one of the top teams in terms of popularity. Packers fans are often referred to as cheeseheads. The term is often used to refer to people from the state of Wisconsin in general (because of its cheese production), but is also used to refer to Green Bay Packers fans in particular. The name originated in 1987 as an insult from Chicago White Sox fans at a Milwaukee Brewers game. In years since and particularly beginning in 1994, the name and the hats called "cheeseheads" have also been embraced by Packers fans. (wikipedia)

4 f words

Use froze, flattery, fishy and friday in a sentence.

"Boss," called out the 19-year old new hire.

"Yes?"

"Ang gwapo nyo." She quickly sat down as if nothing happened, while the few who heard tried to do the same.

I froze and soon realized that that flattery smelled fishy on a Friday.

I wore shades that day in the office and people thought I had sore eyes. Sometimes I'd play along and watch them move back when I try to touch them.

The truth was that I was in the middle of a migraine attack. And since the migraine didn't want to be left at home, I had to bring it with me to the office. Thus the shades.

* * *

kids should know that...

The typical migraine headache is unilateral, throbbing, moderate to severe and can be aggravated by physical activity. Not all of these features are necessary. The pain may be bilateral at the onset or start on one side and become generalized, and usually alternates sides from one attack to the next. The onset is usually gradual. The pain peaks and then subsides, and usually lasts between 4 and 72 hours in adults and 1 and 48 hours in children. The frequency of attacks is extremely variable, from a few in a lifetime to several times a week, and the average migraineur experiences from one to three headaches a month. The head pain varies greatly in intensity. The pain of migraine is invariably accompanied by other features. Nausea occurs in almost 90 percent of patients, while vomiting occurs in about one third of patients. Many patients experience sensory hyperexcitability manifested by photophobia, phonophobia, osmophobia and seek a dark and quiet room. (wikipedia)

a lil something more

First lesson of the year: A lil whisky can make one really sexually excited. The type that tender and rugged are combined.

Tried, tested and tested.

Last night found me with a date at the smoking section of Fridays ATC.

Alright. Who actually goes out on a date on a Sunday evening? That would be me.

After dinner, there was a brief detour for a Belgian chocolate treat. How quick can Haagen Daz convert a lady back into an awkward teen? Traces of enjoyment appeared just above her upper lip. Cute.

The evening taught me one thing. It's been a long time.

It also taught me another. It's hard to make money but then money is nothing if one doesn't get to spend and enjoy it, especially with someone who lets you.

* * *

kids should know that...

A casual relationship may be part time, or for a limited time, and may or may not be monogamous. The term encompasses friendships between people who enjoy each other's physical intimacy but do not aspire to be long-term, rather than parties who desire temporary relationships purely for hedonistic purposes (the term "fuck buddy" might be more appropriate in such a case). In each case, the relationship's dominance in the lives of those involved is being voluntarily limited, and there is usually a sense that the relationship is intended to endure only so long as both parties wish it to. (wikipedia)

the same thing

New skin.

Obviously.

New post.

Upcoming.

Right. Soon as I decide what to post.

I didn't run out of things to write. I've entered that phase of whether not to write about certain things that happened.

Sometimes it's so right to just keep those memories really deep inside you.

...

It was my mom's birthday last week. And guess what? I forgot.

I was already there with her. Hoot was on the phone, she shouted to my dad.

Alright, I thought. It's one of those long distance calls from Milwaukee. He's probably sending some stuff through a balikbayan friend.

Well, not exactly true.

Enter memory lose.

I think I just slept through her birthday and only realized what I missed when special gurl told me about it... 24 hours later.

So I quickly picked up my mobile phone, called her up and said the usual greeting with a tiny dorky apology.

(Kung sino pa ung nasa malayo, on the dot kung bumati.)

I still haven't sent her a gift.

Pero sigurado naman na anytime she wants to visit her fave salon for whatever mommy stuff, it's going to be on me.

* * *

Monday , I dreamt of a gurl who called herself Abby.

She looked like... No. Let me rephrase that.

She was exactly the gurl I've always had a big crush on. It was weird (dreams are supposed to be, anyway) because in real time her name isn't Abby. Even the subconscious makes a mistake. Her name does begin with the same letter, though.

In that dream, she was a cousin of the neighbor who lives across.

From our own car ports, we would look at each other from afar - alternately. When she wasn't looking, I'd spy on her. And when I wasn't, she'd do the same thing.

In that dream, I had the boldness to approach her. When she left her house, I followed her.

Then suddenly, Mr. Subconscious decided to change the setting. Instead of walking on the street, we were suddenly leaving the hallway of a condo.

I caught her in time to open the door for her. Abby looked surprised to see that it was me. When she smiled, I said, "Hi." She said the same thing.

W: I didn't realize you live across me.

A: I moved in recently. But it's only temporary.

W: What's your name?

A: Abby.

W: I'm...

A: W. I know.

W: You do. Wow. Would you like to go out with me? Not today if you can't. Maybe...

A: Yes.

We were now walking on the street. And she just missed her bus. So instead of waiting for the next ride, she decided to walk it until the next bus comes along.

W: Was that your bus?

A: Yes.

W: Oh, you missed it.

A: It's okay.

W: You don't mind if I walk with you?

A: No.

W: Abby?

A: Yes, W?

W: I'm glad to know that you're staying with your cousin. (Right. This is a dialogue that can only happen in a dream.)

A bus appeared from behind us.

W: Is this your ride?

A: Yes.

Funny thing was that after she boarded the bus, I started to wonder where I was. All that pursuit made me an instant pedestrian.

Lost without her? Corny.

Next time I have the same dream, I'm going to get in my car and drive Abby to wherever.

I should remember this before sleeping.

* * *

kids should know that...

Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening (1944) is a surrealist painting by Salvador Dali. In 1962, Dali said his painting was intended "to express for the first time in images Freud's discovery of the typical dream with a lengthy narrative, the consequence of the instantaneousness of a chance event which causes the sleeper to wake up. Thus, as a bar might fall on the neck of a sleeping person, causing them to wake up and for a long dream to end with the guillotine blade falling on them, the noise of the bee here provokes the sensation of the sting which will awaken Gala." (wikipedia)